Latest News

Chewonki Camp for Boys Waterfront Director and Asst Director

Seasonal

Wiscasset, Maine

Posted 2 months ago

The Waterfront Director and the Assistant Waterfront Director are responsible for the safe operation of all waterfront activities. Chewonki’s waterfront is located on a tidal estuary five miles from the open ocean and is the center for all water-based activities. These water-based activities include swimming, sailing, kayaking, canoeing and participation on wilderness trips.

Chewonki participants love the Waterfront especially during the afternoon when it is bathed by the western sun. The Waterfront can be a busy place and offers a unique set of challenges including 8-11 foot tides and the associated tidal currents, turbid water and a swimming area that is always at least 10 feet deep with no wade-in option.

Prerequisites

Is at least 21 years of age.

Must have experience in a management or supervisory position at a similar aquatic area or has completed additional aquatics management or supervision training from a nationally recognized aquatics organization.

Possess a current Lifeguard certification from a recognized provider.

Has knowledge of and experience with small watercraft including sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and rowing dinghies.

Has experience operating small craft and powerboats in conditions that might include wind, rain, darkness, turbid water, strong currents/rising and falling tides, rocks and ledges, low temperatures and fog.

Is prepared to handle emergencies calmly and decisively.

Has knowledge of and experience with powerboats of up to 20’ powered by outboards of up to 50 hp.

Requisites

Able to attend staff training per employment agreement.

Attend necessary Driver Training.

Responsibilities

Oversee safe waterfront operations at all times. Is familiar with all aspects of waterfront operations such as buddy boards, boat sign-outs, and Emergency Action Plans, EAP’s.

Work with Waterfront Staff including sailing, kayaking, canoeing and swimming Activity Heads and lifeguards to ensure knowledge and consistent application of Chewonki waterfront policies and procedures.

Assist with planning and implementing staff training including introducing all summer staff to Waterfront policies, challenges, and expectations.

Perform a daily Waterfront survey noting hazards and mitigating them where possible.

Perform a daily check to organize all equipment and ensure readiness for use. Make sure all required safety equipment is operable and in place.

Assist activity staff as they prepare for and conduct camper instruction.

Serve as the point person for any waterfront activities that might take place outside of normal activity periods.

With practice gain proficiency in the use of Chewonki powerboats and familiarity with local waters.

Perform end of the day check to ensure that all equipment is properly stored and that the Waterfront is clean and ready for the next day

Desired Skills

Risk Management-Chewonki participants and staff have countless opportunities for exploration, challenge, and accomplishment. In ways both highly and minimally consequential we routinely evaluate risk-taking for ourselves and others. Is it safe to cross the street with my children? What are the consequences of swimming at the beginning of this rapid? In-camp risks tend to be more well-identified while evaluating risks in a wilderness setting often requires more experience. Chewonki staff must frequently examine and balance the value versus the cost of specific risks.

Leadership-We seek staff members who have experience taking a leadership role of some kind, be it in education, another outdoor organization, or service. We look for people who are compassionate, patient, enthusiastic, and enjoy engaging with kids.

Technical-Technical skills are a combination of the physical abilities and knowledge necessary for any activity. What level of technical skills will you need? It depends. The skills and experience needed to lead a group of campers on a mile hike in an urban park might be quickly acquired while those needed to guide a high altitude alpine climb could take years to acquire. And, there is everything in between. Some examples of technical skills include: trip planning, first aid, nutrition and hydration, navigation, knocking and shooting an arrow, using a pull-saw in the woodshop and countless other activity specific skills. We offer many activities in camp. The skills needed to take part in and lead some activities are fairly easily acquired while it might take longer to gain confidence and competency in others. Additional Waterfront related skills might include evaluating and repairing equipment, familiarity with weather patterns and use of VHF radios.

Interpersonal-Interpersonal or communication skills are often tougher to define and evaluate than technical skills but are just as critical. Developing strong interpersonal skills is often hastened by honest, constructive feedback. Some examples of core interpersonal skills include: having a sense of humor, judgment, awareness of the group and one’s self, teamwork, crisis management, decision making, and empathy.

If you think you have the skills and temperament required to do take on this responsibility we’d love to speak with you, answer questions and help you learn more about a summer at Chewonki. We look forward to being in touch.